Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik named in World XI squad to take on West Indies

4 May 2018

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik have been named in the World XI squad set to take on West Indies in the Hurricane Relief Twenty20 Challenge on May 31 at Lord’s.

Both the players, currently playing in the IPL, will be joining the World XI side post the competition of the tournament on May 27.

The team will be led England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan, which includes Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik from Pakistan, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, Thisara Perera from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for fans of the Indian team to come out and watch these two flamboyant players, who bring both class and star value to what I’m sure will be a memorable match at Lord’s,” former ECB chief Giles Clarke, who is supporting the event, said.

“People would remember Pandya’s valiant 43-ball 76 against Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy last year while Karthik too has played Test cricket at Lord’s. He has been in terrific form and recently blasted 29 off eight deliveries and sealed victory over Bangladesh in the final of the Nidahas Trophy with a last-ball six.”

The West Indies side will be led by Carlos Brathwaite and feature Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Evin Lewis. The proceeds will go towards the restoration of five cricket venues in the Caribbean that were affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.